GEYA is a Chester County, PA youth recreational soccer league located in the Glenmoore & Eagle PA areas. We offer Spring and Fall Soccer for youths K-12 and a HIGH 5 Soccer Program for children with special needs.

At GEYA, we play soccer for fun and to build the confidence and teamwork of our players. We encourage good sportsmanship for players and coaches alike. Since GEYA is not a competitive league, we have a Mercy Rule as a guideline for coaches. The rule allows coaches to manage their teams so that no team suffers a crushing and embarrassing defeat by a wide margin.

Turf Rules
When playing on Fellowship Field #1 (the "turf"), teams must follow Upper Uwchlan Township rules as stated on signage at the field (no drinks other than water, no food, etc.). In addition, only officials, coaches, assistant coaches and players are permitted inside the fence.

The Mercy Rule
When a team is ahead by three goals, coaches must employ some or all of the following tactics. Please remember to implement these tactics in a manner that does not embarrass the other team. Coaches may call a 30-second time out to make changes.
1. For each additional goal scored, pull one player off the field until the score is within a three-point differential. Coaches should rotate the player being removed during the game,and throughout the season, if necessary, so as not to penalize stronger players.
2. Put strong scorers on defense and/or put weaker scorers on offense.
3. The losing team can add a player.
4. Put someone new in goal.
5. Tell players that they must pass the ball a few times before shooting.
If a division continues to have extremely lopsided scoring, scores will be reported to the division Commissioner, and they will then contact the coaches with a friendly reminder of the Mercy Rule.

GEYA Modifications
The following describes the GEYA specific modifications made to the FIFA Laws of the Game described on the Laws of Soccer page. Please familiarize yourself with the 17 basic laws before reviewing these modifications.

Grade

Players on Field

Ball Size

Goalie

Playing Time

Field Size (yards)

Goal Size (feet)

Referee

Playoff

K

5

3

No

4 10-min. quarters

25 x 35

8 x 6

No

No

1

5

3

No

4 10-min. quarters

25 x 35

8 x 6

No

No

2/3

7

4

Yes

4 12-min. quarters

25 x 50

12x 7

No

No

4/5

9

4

Yes

2 25-min. halves

50 x 80

18 x 6

Yes

1st and 2nd Place

6 – 8

11

5

Yes

2 25-min. halves

60 x 100

24 x 8

Yes

1st and 2nd Place

9 – 12

11

5

Yes

2 35-min. halves

60 x 100

24 x 8

Yes

1st and 2nd Place

Modifications for Kindergarten and 1st Grade
1. All players must be 5 years old by August 30 of the year in which they will be playing.
2. Referee: Coaches and assistant coaches can be on the field and will referee the match. Before the game commences, opposing coaches should agree on who manages the game clock and the game whistle.
3. Playing time: Each player will play equal minutes and will play all positions.
4. Substitutions: Substitutions are allowed at any time during the game.
5. Start of game: The home team will take the first kick-off. The opposing team will choose the direction of play. Alternate kick-offs for remaining quarters and change sides at the half. On the kick-off, the opposing team must have all players outside the circle until such time as the ball is kicked forward or downfield. The kicker cannot kick the ball a second time. Kick-offs will occur after a goal and be made by the scoring team.
6. Offside: No offsides will be called. However, coaches should not allow players to gain advantage by staying in a blatantly offside position. Instruct the player to return to an onside position.
7. Fouls and misconduct: All fouls will result in an indirect kick. No penalty kicks will be awarded. For fouls occurring in the penalty area, the ball will be placed on the penalty area line parallel to the goal line at the point nearest to where the infringement occurred.
8. No sliding tackles: All sliding tackles will result in the other team being awarded a direct kick.
9. Throw-ins: No throw-ins at this level. Play will restart with a kick from the point where the ball left the playing field. The player that kicks the ball cannot kick it a second time before another player on the field touches the ball.
10. Free kicks: All free kicks shall be classified as indirect. A goal may not be scored until the ball is touched or played by a second player of either team. The attacking team within the defending team’s goal box shall take no kicks.

Modifications for 2nd and 3rd Grades
1. Referee: One coach for each team can be on the field and will referee the match. Before the game commences, opposing coaches should agree on who manages the game clock and the game whistle.
2. Playing time: Each player will play equal minutes and will play all positions.
3. Substitutions: Unlimited number, during goal kicks or throw-ins (either side) and after goals or games stoppages for injury.
4. Start of game: The home team will take the first kick-off. The opposing team will choose the direction of play. Alternate kick-offs for remaining quarters and change sides at the half.
5. Offside: No offsides will be called. However, coaches should not allow players to gain advantage by staying in a blatantly offside position. Instruct the player to return to an onside position.
6. Fouls and misconduct: FIFA fouls and misconducts are in effect except that no penalty kicks will be awarded. Offenses occurring in the penalty area that would normally result in a penalty kick will result in an indirect kick at the closest point outside the penalty area to where the offense occurred.
7. No sliding tackles: All sliding tackles will result in the other team being awarded a direct kick.
8. Throw-ins: Players who violate the laws regarding throw-ins will be allowed to retake the throw-in up to 3 times after which the throw-in will be given to the other team.
9. Free kicks: All free kicks shall be classified as indirect. A goal may not be scored until the ball is touched or played by a second player of either team. The attacking team within the defending team’s goal box shall take no kicks.

Modifications for 4th – 12th Grades

Referee: A referee will be assigned to each match. If no referee shows after 15 minutes of the scheduled game time, a volunteer referee from either team will be chosen. The referee may appoint linesman; linesman only indicate when the ball is out of play. They do not indicate throw-in direction or offsides.

Substitutions: Unlimited number, during goal kicks or throw-ins and after goals or games stoppages for injury. For the sake of keeping the game moving, subs can be called on any out of bounds. No substitutions on corner kicks.

No sliding tackles: All sliding tackles will result in the other team being awarded a direct kick.

Offsides: offsides will be called by the referee.

Free Kicks: Conform to FIFA with the exception that all opponents are at least eight (8) yards from the ball.

Penalty Kick: Conform to FIFA with the exception that the penalty mark is made eight (8) yards from the midpoint between the goalposts and equidistant to them.

Throw-In: Conform to FIFA. Both feet must stay on the ground, ball must come directly over top of head in one fluid motion.

4th-5th Only - no heading the ball for children under 12 years of age.